The Giants overcame a 4-0 deficit to take a 3-run lead into the bottom of the 9'th inning but Gabe Kapler had to summon Sam Long LHP from the bullpen to to get the last out after Camilo Doval RHP put the winning run on base.
Evan Longoria 3B hit the IL before the game with an oblique strain which opened a roster spot for Joey Bart C. Bart responded with a booming double that might have been a HR but was ruled a double after replay due to fan interference. So now, David Villar 3B will get his big opportunity. He went 0 for 3 but made a sparkling defensive play at a key point in the game.
The Giants started a lefty-hitting platoon but it was the RH PH who led the comeback. Austin Slater PH/CF went 2 for 2, drove in 2 runs and scored one. Darin Ruf PH hit a 2-run HR in the Giants comeback.
Alex Cobb RHP continued to pitch in bad BABIP luck. Here is the sequence of the 3-run 2'nd inning: LD single, FO(2B), GB single, GB double(deflected by Tommy La Stella 2B on a ball that looked like it should have been an easy out), LD single, FO(2B) and GO. Dave Fleming mentioned on the TV broadcast that the Giants are the worse team in MLB in converting GB's to outs. That's either bad luck or bad fielding or a combination of both.
Camilo Doval RHP was not able to convert the 3-run Save. He had no command of his FB which again made him one-pitch slider pitcher. His command of the slider deteriorated as the inning went on and hitters started sitting on it.
I was surprised when Long, who has been a 3-inning guy, came in to get the last out. It looked like a desperation move and probably was, but he has been the most successful pitcher on the staff in that Opener/long relief role and it turned out to be the right move. Fleming kept saying Long is a strike thrower and he threw strikes: Change up for called strike one, Fastball fouled off on late swing, nasty diving curverball swinging strike 3 and the batter never had a chance. Do we have a new Closer?
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The Giant break their losing streak and stave off a sweep. They now head to San Diego for 4 games against the Padres with Logan Webb RHP facing Joe Musgrove RHP in game one tonight.
Rather than closer, I'd like to see S. Long get a chance to start...Zito-esque curveball.
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